System enclosure ventilation monitoring system

ABSTRACT

A system enclosure ventilation monitoring system includes a controller having an enclosure temperature input configured to receive signals indicating internal temperatures of the system enclosure, an air circulating device speed input configured to receive signals indicating operating speed of at least one air circulating device, and a damper position input configured to receive a damper position signal and an output. The controller is configured and disposed to set damper position through the output based on at least one of the air circulating device speed input and the enclosure temperature input.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the art of enclosures and, more particularly, to a system enclosure ventilation monitoring system.

Many systems operate within enclosures that provide protection from weather and the like. The systems may produce heat that is desirably removed from the enclosure. For example, during operation, a turbomachine produces heat which may raise internal temperatures of the enclosure. Raising the internal temperature of the enclosure may have a negative impact on turbomachine efficiency as well as operating reliability of supporting accessories. Many system enclosures include ventilation systems that draw in ambient air and discharge hot air from the enclosure. Conventional ventilation systems include fans that, when operated, create an airflow which opens gravity controlled dampers/louvers exposing internal spaces of the enclosure to ambient. Current ventilation systems rely on an operator to initiate and stop operation, or base operation on parameters such as turbomachine status, turbomachine temperature and/or exhaust air temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a system enclosure ventilation monitoring system includes a controller having an enclosure temperature input configured to receive signals indicating internal temperatures of the system enclosure, an air circulating device speed input configured to receive signals indicating operating speed of at least one air circulating device, and a damper position input configured to receive a damper position signal and an output. The controller is configured and disposed to set damper position through the output based on at least one of the air circulating device speed input and the enclosure temperature input.

According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a system enclosure includes a plurality of walls that define the system enclosure, a turbomachine system is arranged within the system enclosure, and at least one air circulating device system includes at least one air circulating device coupled to a motor, and at least one damper having one or more louvers coupled to a damper motor. The at least one air circulating device is configured and disposed to create an airflow through the one or more louvers into the system enclosure. At least one temperature sensor is arranged in the system enclosure. The at least one temperature sensor is configured and disposed to detect an enclosure temperature. At least one air circulating device speed sensor is configured to detect a speed of the at least one air circulating device, and a damper position sensor is configured and disposed to detect a position of the one or more louvers. A system enclosure ventilation monitoring system includes a controller having an enclosure temperature input operatively connected to the at least one temperature sensor, an air circulating device speed input operatively connected to the at least one air circulating device speed sensor, a damper position input operatively connected to the at least one damper position sensor and an output operatively connected to the at least the damper motor. The controller is configured and disposed to set damper position through the output based on at least one of the air circulating device speed input and the enclosure temperature input.

According to yet another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a method of ventilating a system enclosure includes sensing temperature within the system enclosure, receiving an air circulating device speed input from at least one air circulating device assembly, and shifting one or more louvers provided on a damper to a desired position to control airflow into the system enclosure in response to one of the air circulating device speed input and the temperature within the system enclosure.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system enclosure having a system enclosure ventilation monitoring system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system enclosure ventilation monitoring system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of ventilating a system enclosure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A system enclosure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 2 in FIG. 1. System enclosure 2 includes a first wall 4 and an opposing second wall 5 that are joined by a third wall 6, and an opposing fourth wall 7. A fifth wall or roof (not shown) joins first, second, third, and fourth walls 4-7 to define an interior portion 14. A door 16 is provided in second wall 5 to provide access to interior portion 14. Door 16 includes a door position sensor 17. Door position sensor 17 detects when door 16 is opened and when door 16 is closed. System enclosure 2 houses a mechanical system which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, takes the form of a turbomachine system 20 including a compressor portion 22 coupled to a turbine portion 24 through a combustor assembly 26. Combustor assembly 26 includes one or more combustors such, as indicated at 28. Compressor portion 22 is mechanically linked to turbine portion 24 through a common compressor/turbine shaft 30. Compressor portion 22 includes an intake 34 and turbine portion 24 is mechanically linked to a load 36 that may take the form of a generator 38. Of course it should be understood that load 36 may also be joined to compressor portion 22.

System enclosure 2 includes a first motorized inlet air damper (MIAD) system 42 arranged in second wall 5. A second MIAD system 44 and a third MIAD system 46 are also arranged in second wall 5 adjacent first MIAD system 42. It should however be understood that the particular arrangement of MIAD systems 42, 44 and 46 may vary. System enclosure 2 includes a first air circulating system 53 having a first air circulating device 54 operatively connected to a first motor 55. First air circulating device 54 may take the form of a first fan. First motor 55 includes a first air circulating device speed sensor 56. First air circulating system 53 also includes a first flow sensor 57 and a first temperature sensor 58. First air circulating system 53 is mounted to the roof (not separately labeled) First MIAD system 42 also includes a first damper 60 including a first plurality of louvers 61 operatively connected to a first damper control 62 having a first damper position sensor 63. Similarly, system enclosure 2 includes a second air circulating system 64 mounted to the roof Second air circulating system 64 includes a second air circulating device 65 operatively connected to a second motor 66 having a second air circulating device speed sensor 67. Second air circulating device 65 may take the form of a second fan. Second air circulating system 64 also includes a second flow sensor 68 and a second temperature sensor 69. Second MIAD system 44 also includes a second damper 70 including a second plurality of louvers 71 operatively connected to a second damper control 72 having a second damper position sensor 73. A third air circulating system 75 also mounted to the roof is also included in system enclosure 2. Third air circulating system 75 includes a third air circulating device 76 operatively connected to a third motor 77 having a third air circulating device speed sensor 78. Third air circulating device 76 may take the form of a third fan. Third air circulating system 75 also includes a third flow sensor 79 and a third temperature sensor 80. Third MIAD system 46 also includes a third damper 81 including a third plurality of louvers 82 operatively connected to a third damper control 84 having a third damper position sensor 85.

System enclosure 2 is also shown to include a first enclosure temperature sensor 90, a second enclosure temperature sensor 91, a third enclosure temperature sensor 92, a fourth enclosure temperature sensor 93, a fifth enclosure temperature sensor 94, a sixth enclosure temperature sensor 95, a seventh enclosure temperature sensor 96 and, an eighth enclosure temperature sensor 97. Enclosure temperature sensors 90-97 are arranged about interior portion 14 to detect internal temperatures in system enclosure 2 at various locations. An ambient temperature sensor 100 is arranged outside of system enclosure 2. At this point it should be understood that the number and position of enclosure temperature sensors 90-97, as well as the number and position of ambient temperature sensor 100, may vary.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, system enclosure 2 includes a system enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 operatively connected to MIAD systems 42, 44 and 46 as well as enclosure temperature sensors 90-97, ambient temperature sensor 100, door position sensor 17, and controllers (not shown) for first, second and third air circulating systems 53, 64 and 75, as will be discussed more fully below. System enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 is also operatively connected to a turbomachine control panel 114 and a hazardous gas detection system 116. Hazardous gas detection system 116 is linked to a hazardous gas detection sensor 118 arranged in system enclosure 2. During turbomachine start-up control panel 114 communicates with system enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 seeking a start permissive and validation signal when turbomachine system 20 is operating. Hazardous gas detection system 116 signals system enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 in the event that hazardous gas is detected in system enclosure 2, as will be detailed more fully below.

As shown in FIG. 2, system enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 includes a microprocessor 135 having an ambient temperature input 140 operatively connected to ambient temperature sensor 100, and an enclosure temperature input 142 that is operatively connected to each enclosure temperature sensor 90-97. Microprocessor 135 also includes an exhaust air flow input 143 operatively connected to flow sensors 57, 68, and 79. Microprocessor 135 further includes an air circulating device speed input 144 operatively connected to first, second, and third air circulating device speed sensors 56, 67 and 78. Microprocessor 135 still further includes an exhaust air temperature input 145 operatively connected to temperature sensors 58, 69, and 80. Further, microprocessor 135 includes a damper position input 146 operatively connected to damper position sensors 63, 73 and 85 and a damper position feedback input 148 that receives damper position feedback from each of the first, second and third damper position sensors 63, 73 and 85. Microprocessor 135 still further includes a door position input 150 operatively connected to door position sensor 17, a turbomachine panel input 152 operatively coupled to turbomachine control panel 114 and a hazardous gas detection system input 154 operatively connected to hazardous gas detection system 116.

Microprocessor 135 is yet further shown to includes an air circulating device speed output 162 operatively coupled to first, second, and third motors 55 66, and 77, and a damper position output 164 operatively coupled to first, second and third damper controls 62, 72, and 84. In addition to the above, microprocessor 135 includes a component failure output 166 that may be coupled to a display 168. Component failure output may provide a visual and/or audible indication of a component failure. System enclosure ventilation monitoring system 110 controls first, second, and third MIAD systems 42, 44 and 46, as will be detailed more fully below.

Reference will now follow to FIG. 3 in describing a method 200 of ventilating and controlling temperature within system enclosure 2. A signal is passed from turbomachine control panel 114 indicating that turbomachine 2 is preparing for operation or a manual signal is received through a human machine interface (HMI) (not shown) to start system enclosure ventilation system 110 operation as shown in block 210. Microprocessor 135 opens dampers 60, 70, and 81 to a predetermined position, starts air circulating devices 54, 65, and 76 and, receives enclosure temperature signals from enclosure temperature sensors 90-97 as indicated in block 212, and air circulating device speed signals from air circulating device speed sensors 56 67 and or 78, as indicated in block 214. Microprocessor 135 may also receive ambient temperature signals from ambient temperature sensor 100 as indicated in block 216. Microprocessor 135 also polls door position sensor 17, and discharge flow sensors 57, 68, and 79 in block 220. If door 16 is open, an audible alarm will sound and a visual alarm will be communicated to the operator via the turbomachine control panel 114 in block 222, and microprocessor 135 awaits a door closed signal as indicated in block 224. Upon receipt of a door closed signal, audible and visual alarms are deactivated in block 225. When door 16 is closed, and turbomachine 2 is in operation, microprocessor 135 is in communication with the hazardous gas detection system 116 and will receive a signal when a hazardous gas release is detected by hazardous gas detection system sensor 118, in block 230.

If no hazardous gas is detected, microprocessor 135 sends a signal to first, second and third damper controls 62, 72, and 84 through damper position output 164 to adjust a position of first, second and third plurality of louvers 61, 71 and 82, as indicated in block 232. Microprocessor 135 receives a feedback signal through damper position feedback input 148 registering that the first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 have moved to a desired position, in block 234. If the first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 have adjusted, method 200 returns to block 210. If however, one or more of the first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 have not moved to the desired position, microprocessor 135 signals an alert, in block 236, through component failure output 166.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 are configured to fail in a last set position. More specifically, in contrast to prior art systems, which fail in a closed position, first, second, and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 fail in a last set position so that temperature control and ventilation flow may continue. With a failure in the last position, microprocessor 135 will communicate a component failure alarm (not shown).

In further accordance with an exemplary embodiment, in the event that microprocessor 135 receives, through hazardous gas detection system input 154, that hazardous gas has been detected in system enclosure 2, in block 230, first, second, and/or third motor 55, 66, 77 are signaled to operate respective ones of first, second, and third air circulating devices 54, 65, and or 76 at full speed, in block 250. Microprocessor 135 also signals first, second and third damper controls 62, 72 and 84 to fully open corresponding ones of first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 to evacuate hazardous gases from system enclosure 2. An alert, visual and/or audible, is output in block 252. First, second, and/or third motors 55, 66, and/or 77 continue to operate respective ones of first, second, and/or third air circulating devices 54, 64, and 76, and first, second, and third damper controls 62, 72 and 84 maintain corresponding ones of first, second and third pluralities of louvers 61, 71, and 82 fully open until hazardous gas has been completely evacuated and/or operation is manually stopped.

At this point it should be understood that the t ventilation monitoring system, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments, adjusts damper position to control ventilation flow based on at least one of air circulating device speed input and internal enclosure temperatures. The ventilation monitoring system may interface with other turbomachine controls to enhance ventilation, as desired, and to operate air circulating devices intermittently at the higher speeds only when necessary. For example, ventilation monitoring system may adjust ventilation flow to maintain desired clearances in the compressor portion and/or the turbine portion. Further, the ventilation monitoring system also interfaces with a hazardous gas detection system to evacuate the system enclosure in the event hazardous gas is detected. Further, the ventilation monitoring system may maintain desired temperatures within the enclosure. For example, the ventilation system may interface with a turbomachine control system and plant distributed control system (DCS) to maintain the enclosure temperature within a predetermined range and, if desired, assist in reducing cool down time for machine in preparation for maintenance.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system enclosure ventilation monitoring system comprising: a controller including an enclosure temperature input configured to receive signals indicating internal temperatures of a the system enclosure, an air circulating device speed input configured to receive signals indicating operating speed of at least one air circulating device, and a damper position input configured to receive a damper position signal and an output, the controller being configured and disposed to set damper position through the output based on at least one of the air circulating device speed input and the enclosure temperature input.
 2. The system enclosure ventilation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the controller further includes a hazardous gas detection input, the controller being configured and disposed to output a damper open signal and a maximum air circulating device speed signal upon receiving a hazardous gas detected signal through the hazardous gas detection input.
 3. The system enclosure ventilation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the controller further includes a door position input, the controller being configured and disposed to output a predetermined signal upon detecting an enclosure door open signal through the door position input.
 4. The system enclosure ventilation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the controller further includes a damper position feedback input configured and disposed to provide a damper position change signal indicating a change in damper position.
 5. The system enclosure ventilation monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the controller further includes an ambient temperature input, the controller being configured and disposed to set damper position based, at least in part, on an ambient temperature signal received through the ambient temperature input.
 6. A system enclosure comprising: a plurality of walls that define the system enclosure; a turbomachine system arranged within the system enclosure; at least one air circulating system including at least one air circulating device coupled to a motor and at least one damper having one or more louvers coupled to a damper motor, the at least one air circulating device being configured and disposed to create airflow through the at least one damper into the system enclosure; at least one temperature sensor arranged in the system enclosure, the at least one temperature sensor being configured and disposed to detect an enclosure temperature; at least one air circulating device speed sensor configured to detect a speed of the at least one air circulating device; a damper position sensor configured and disposed to detect a position of the one or more louvers; and a system enclosure ventilation monitoring system including a controller having an enclosure temperature input operatively connected to the at least one temperature sensor, an air circulating device speed input operatively connected to the at least one air circulating device speed sensor, and a damper position input operatively connected to the at least one damper position sensor, an output operatively connected to at least the damper motor, the controller being configured and disposed to set damper position through the output based on at least one of the air circulating device speed input and the enclosure temperature input.
 7. The system enclosure according to claim 6, further comprising: a hazardous gas detection system having a hazardous gas detection sensor, wherein the controller includes a hazardous gas detection system input operatively coupled to the hazardous gas detection system, the controller being configured and disposed control at least one of air circulating device speed and damper position upon receiving a hazardous gas detected signal.
 8. The system enclosure according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured and disposed to operate the at least one air circulating device at an increased speed and open the damper to a full open position upon receiving the hazardous gas detected signal.
 9. The system enclosure according to claim 6, further comprising: an door providing access to the system enclosure and a door position sensor configured and disposed to send an enclosure door open signal, wherein the controller includes a door position input operatively coupled to the door position sensor, the controller being configured and disposed to output an alarm signal upon detecting an enclosure door open signal through the door position input.
 10. The system enclosure according to claim 6, wherein the controller includes a damper position feedback input operatively coupled to the damper position sensor, the damper position feedback input being configured and disposed to provide a damper position change signal indicating that the at least one damper has moved to the position.
 11. The turbomachine enclosure according to claim 10, wherein the one or more louvers are configured and disposed to remain in a last set position upon failure, the controller being configured and disposed to provide an alert indicating a damper failure based on the damper position change signal.
 12. The system enclosure according to claim 6, further comprising: an ambient temperature sensor configured and disposed to detect temperature outside of the system enclosure, wherein the controller includes an ambient temperature input operatively coupled to the ambient temperature sensor, the controller being configured and disposed to set damper position based, at least in part, on an ambient temperature signal received through the ambient temperature input.
 13. A method of ventilating a system enclosure comprising: sensing temperature within the system enclosure; receiving an air circulating device speed input from at least one air circulating device; and shifting one or more louvers provided on a damper to a desired position to control airflow into the system enclosure in response to one of the air circulating device speed input and the temperature within the system enclosure.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving input indicating a hazardous gas release within the system enclosure; and shifting the one or more louvers to a full open position and operating the at least one air circulating device at a high speed in response to the sensed hazardous gas release.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: sensing whether the one or more louvers shifted from a first position to the desired position.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: maintaining the louvers in the first position if the one or more louvers cannot shift to the desired position.
 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: shifting the one or more louvers provided on the damper of the at least one MIAD assembly to the desired position in response to the air circulating device speed input and the temperature within the system enclosure.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: varying air circulating device speed in response to the sensed temperature in the system enclosure.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: sensing ambient temperature outside of the system enclosure; and shifting the one or more louvers to the desired position based, at least in part, on the sensed ambient temperature.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving a door open signal indicating that a door of the system enclosure is open; and generating an alarm signal until a door closed signal is received. 